Damon pov
At first light, I found myself standing on the balcony once again, the cool morning air offering a semblance of clarity. The invitation lay on the table in my study, its presence a constant reminder of the looming decision. I closed my eyes and listened to the silence, my thoughts drifting between duty and something more intimate and raw.
In the distance, I could see the training yard, where Talia’s voice echoed as she practiced, her determination a living testament to survival. Every punch, every dodge, every moment of defiance against her own fate—she was no longer the weak outcast she had once been. She was evolving, and whether I liked it or not, she was part of my destiny.
My inner wolf whispered again, insistent and unwavering: Take her with you. Don’t let her be left be
